Thousands in London protest as turmoil mounts over US killing
Demonstrators show solidarity in ‘Black Lives Matter’ march after death of George Floyd
UK PROTESTERS mounted demonstrations in solidarity with those across the Atlantic following the death of George Floyd.
Thousands of protesters yesterday turned out in central London for a Black Lives Matter demonstration in response to the death of Mr Floyd.
Protesters were also remembering Belly Mujinga, a railway worker who died with Covid-19 after reportedly being spat at by a man who said he was infected with the virus.
It came after an eighth night of demonstrations the USA – where thousands of people have been arrested – in which people defied curfews to protest after a white officer held Mr Floyd down by pressing a knee into his neck in the moments before his death in Minneapolis on May 25.
Naomi Smith, one of the event organisers, said: “We want people to understand that people are dying from coronavirus and people are dying from racism.”
The 21-year-old said one of her reasons for protesting was Belly Mujinga, a railway worker who died with Covid-19 after reportedly being spat at by a man who said he was infected with the virus.
British Transport Police launched an investigation into her death but have since said it would not be taking any further action.
Thousands of activists, including members of the railway worker’s family, descended on Victoria Station – where Ms Mujinga was working at the time of the spitting incident – holding a sign that read “Justice for Belly Mujinga”.
“I think that is my main reason for this, because she’s black she doesn’t have a voice right now,” Ms Smith said.
“This is our story, this is a UK story, this is what’s going on right now with us.
“George Floyd is in America, and we’re here for him as well.”
Protesters also headed to
Downing Street, where hundreds knelt with one fist raised while facing police officers.
In the US, Tuesday marked the eighth night of protests, which began in Minneapolis where Mr Floyd died, and quickly spread across the country. Demonstrations have taken place in areas including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston. Some have included clashes between police and protesters, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by officers. US President Donald Trump has pressed state governors to take a more forceful approach against protesters.
In the UK, demonstrators previously protested outside the US Embassy in south London as well as in Trafalgar Square.
Prosecutors were last night planning to upgrade the charge against Derek Chauvin, the police officer accused of pressing his knee against Mr Floyd’s neck, with second-degree murder, and level charges against three other officers at the scene.
The Star Tribune reported that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison would be charging Thomas Lane, J Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
People are dying from coronavirus and dying from racism.
Naomi Smith, demonstration co-organiser.